A Day in the Life of a Lead Research Analyst

What is a typical day for you?

As a Lead Research Analyst, my day starts before the market opens. I gather, analyze, and present overnight data to our trading desk to support their strategy. Once the market opens, I’m responsible for monitoring trends, interpreting data, and keeping the desk informed. Once the trading day wraps, I evaluate the trades, pull reports, and prepare for the next day.

The work can be intense, but it is always interesting!

What tools and technology are needed for you to be successful?

This job is about not just being fast, but also being right. We use various tools to ensure that we are both.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

My interest in the financial industry stems from my love of numbers, analytical analysis, and fascination with financial markets. Dealing with numbers is something that I have always been passionate about. But when I think about what I enjoy most, there are two things that stand out.

My team: I enjoy the team feel on the trading desk. We all work together to achieve the goal of trading successfully. This comes with a lot of collaboration and support among the team.

No day is the same: I never know what’s ahead. It’s exciting when an unexpected headline or event happens in the markets.

What advice would you give other women looking to get into this industry?

Network as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask professionals in the field to sit down with you for 15 minutes and talk about themselves and their job. Those connections can turn into pathways to knowledge and careers that you would not have otherwise had. And if you need help building that foundation, I recommend joining an organization. For example, I am a member of 100 Women in Finance, an organization for women in the investment and finance industry. It has connected me with some smart women and expanded my network tremendously.